Wildlife Safaris in Akagera National Park (Rwanda Wildlife Safaris)

Nestled in the Eastern corner of Rwanda, Akagera National Park is the only savanna park in Rwanda and also the largest protected area in the country. Although small in size and less popular compared to its counterparts, Rwanda’s Akagera National Park is a great wildlife viewing safari destination in Africa, hosting even the iconic African Big Five Animals (lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo) – making it a premier destination for Rwanda Wildlife Safaris/Rwanda Wildlife viewing Safaris. Wildlife Safaris in Akagera National Park allow you to experience Rwanda’s wildlife beyond the popular mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and primates safaris in Rwanda.

Although Akagera has fewer wildlife numbers compared to its counterparts like Serengeti & Masai Mara, Akagera National Park is a great destination for wildlife safaris in Africa. Wildlife Safaris in Akagera National Park guarantee sighting of all top African wildlife species including the African Big Five, Cheetah, Spotted Hyena, Common Zebra, Masai Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Warthog, Baboons, Olive Baboon, Vervet Monkey, Black-backed Jackal, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Topi, Eland, Impala, Reedbuck, Defassa Waterbuck, Sable Antelope, and the Roan Antelope among others.

Akagera National Park also protects the largest protected wetland area in Central Africa. The National Park also boasts an impressive bird life with over 500 different bird species recorded within its boundaries. Among the nmotable species of birds in Akagera ational Park are; African Fish Eagles, Grey Crowned Cranes, Papyrus Gonoleks, Saddle-billed Storks, Yellow-billed Storks, Open-billed Storks, Goliath Herons, Malachite Kingfishers, Lilac-breasted Rollers, Marsh Harrier, Yellow-throated Longclaws, African Jacanas, Pied Kingfishers, White-backed Vultures, Bateleur Eagles, African Grey Hornbills, Black-headed Herons, Lilac-breasted Rollers, Red-chested Cuckoos, Southern Ground Hornbills, Brown Snake Eagles, White Storks, Western Banded Snake Eagles, Rüppell’s Vultures, Spur-winged Gooses, African Skimmers, Crested Barbets, and the Wattled Crane among others.

About Akagera National Park in Rwanda

This National Park was first gazette in 1934 spanning about 2,500 square kilometres. The loss of land occurred from 1997, when refugees from Rwanda’s civil wars returned to the area to set up farms and to poach game species that let to its destruction and reduction in wildlife numbers in the region.

In 2009 a renewable 20-year agreement to manage the park was made between the Rwanda Development Board and the African Parks Network, leading to the revival of this safari Park. The agreement includes, most significantly, financial assistance to ensure the security of the national park and to reintroduce species that had become extinct due to poaching.

<yoastmark class=

Wildlife Viewing Experience in Akagera National Park

Wildlife Viewing in Akagera National Park is done on customized safari vehicles where an experienced driver guide will drive you across various areas of the park, especially wildlife hotspots, for opportunities to witness the diversity of wildlife in the Park. A Game drive is Akagera National Park is the primary way of exploring its vast ecosystems. Game viewing in Akagera National Park can be done either in the early morning or late in the afternoon when wildlife activity is high.

During game drives in the park, expect to encounter various wildlife species, including top species like lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants. You’ll also have opportunities to witness the diverse birdlife that calls this place home. Akagera National Park is also known for its stunning beauty and spectacular landscapes that you will enjoy witnessing during your wildlife safari in the park. Although numbers are generally low compared to top wildlife viewing destinations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Masai Mara, you are guaranteed to witness all the top African Wildlife species during a wildlife safari in Akagera National Park.

The Big Five Experience in Akagera National Park – Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda

If you are fantasizing about witnessing the African Big Five Animals during safaris, Akagera National Park does not disappoint. The park is home to all of the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos) making it a great place to spot these iconic species on a Rwanda Safari Holiday Tour. Akagera’s lion population has been successfully reintroduced, and these majestic cats can be seen freely roaming the park’s wilderness. You can track lions on early morning game drives – with opportunities to witness them in action or relaxing.

Akagera National Park is also home to a healthy population of Elephants and you’ll encounter large herds grazing or drinking from one of the park’s many waterholes. The park’s rhino population is also thriving, with both black and white rhinos making a comeback. You’ll also encounter the elusive leopard and buffalos during your Big Five safari experience in Akagera National Park.

Bird Watching Opportunities in Akagera During Rwanda Wildlife Safaris

Although popular for wildlife, Akagera is a bird-watching paradise. The park is home to an impressive variety of bird species, that inhabits its wetlands. The park’s diverse habitats provide shelter for over 500-plus bird species, making it one of the top birding destinations in Rwanda and East Africa.

Boat Safaris in Akagera National Park

One of the most unique experiences at Akagera National Park is the opportunity to go on a boat safari along Lake Ihema. Lake Ihema is the park’s largest lake and offers an opportunity for travelers to experience a serene and breathtaking setting for wildlife viewing during Rwanda Safaris. During a boat trip, you can observe hippos wallowing in the water, crocodiles sunbathing along the shore, and a wealth of birdlife feeding along the water’s edge.

When to Visit Akagera National Park – Best time to go foe Wildlife Safaris in Akagera National Park

Generally, Akagera National Park is a year-round safari destination however, some months of the year are known to offer more ideal conditions for safaris than the others. Rwanda just like most of the East African Countries receives two seasons; wet season and dry season. The dry seasons are considered to be the best time for safaris to Akagera National Park and safaris in Rwanda in general.

There are two dry seasons in Rwanda; the long dry season that lasts between June to October and the short dry season that lasts between December and February. The Best time to visit Akagera National Park for wildlife safaris is between June and October and December to February.

Explore Rwanda’s only savanna park and witness the iconic African wildlife species. Let us help you craft your dream safari tour Today.